Venezuela's Military Expands Role in Agencies, Universal Says
By Peter Wilson
Caracas, April 28 (<a href=quote.bloomberg.com>Bloomberg) -- Venezuela's military is taking a larger role in state agencies as President Hugo Chavez shuns civilian appointees, El Universal reported.
About 100 military officers now are executives in state companies, such as Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or state agencies, such as the foreign exchange commission, the newspaper said, citing the results of an investigation it conducted.
The largest concentration of military officers is in the state armaments company, CA Venezolana de Industrias Militares.
Since taking office in February 1999, Chavez has relied on military appointees for many key positions, including the defense and interior ministries. Chavez was a former paratrooper.
(EU 4-28, 1-8) For El Universal's Web site, click on {NCNL